People Making a Difference in World Ocean Day 2024

As we celebrate World Ocean Day on June 8th, 2024, it's a great moment to recognise the efforts of individuals and organisations committed to safeguarding our oceans. From marine biologists to grassroots activists, their collective actions are crucial in preserving the health of our Ocean. Here are some people who really caught our eye this year.

Image from Katie Maggs Instagram - @tonicofthesea

 

Katie Maggs is an open water swimmer based in Cornwall, she promotes well being and the benefits to mental health of wild swimming. She posts about her journey of sea swimming and snorkelling whilst learning about the wonders of Cornish marine life through her underwater photography, her work as a Marine Mammal Medic for the British Divers Marine Life Rescue and conservation role with the Mounts Bay Marine Group.

 

She frequently educates her followers about the Ocean and ways to love and protect it.

Find out more here.

 

Image from Surfers Against Sewage Instagram - @surfersagainstsewage

 

Surfers Against Sewage is a marine conservation charity working with communities to protect oceans, waves, beaches and marine life. It was created by a group of Cornish surfers on the north coast of Cornwall.

Surfers Against Sewage are frequently working on campaigns to protect the ocean, through improving water quality, reducing plastic pollution, protecting and restoring the ocean wilderness, battling the ocean and climate emergency and more. Through educating on social media to having millions take park in the mile clean, this charity is really pulling through for the ocean.

 

Find out more here.

 

Image from The Marine Conservation Society Instagram - @mcs_uk

 

The Marine Conservation Society is the UK's leading marine charity by and for ocean lovers. They are dedicated to creating a vibrant ocean ecosystem where nature thrives and people flourish, the organisation prioritises community engagement and educational initiatives. 

They are working with communities, businesses, and governments to clean up our seas, protect marine habitats, and promote sustainable practices. They are doing this through advocacy, education, and practical conservation efforts, on their website you can easily find beaches to clean near you, join the community and read guides for sustainability.

 

Find out more here.

 

Image from Oceana Europe’s Instagram - @oceanaeurope

 

Oceana Europe’s goal is to rebuild their oceans so they are once again healthy, diverse ecosystems brimming with food and life. Facing threats like overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution, Oceana focuses on winning science-based policies in key coastal countries to restore ocean health and biodiversity. With over 300 victories, their campaigns are proven to be making a difference. 

To combat declining ocean health, Oceana advocates for science-based fishery management, including catch limits, bycatch reduction, and habitat protection.

Find out more here.

Image from Sea Shepherd Instagram - @seashepherd

 

Sea Shepherd protects endangered marine wildlife by deploying ships, captains, and crews to fragile ecosystems worldwide. They combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which is more extensive than the illicit drug trade and severely harms the ocean. 

Using a Direct Action approach, Sea Shepherd partners with governments to fight poachers, cartels, and industrial trawlers. Their ships patrol protected areas, monitor for illegal activities, and collaborate with law enforcement to prevent IUU fishing. Sea Shepherd's transparent campaigns share real-time data on their efforts and impacts to showcase their daily defence of the natural world.

Find out more here.

 

Image from The Oliver Ridley Project Instagram - @oliveridleyproject

 

The Oliver Ridley Project aims to protect sea turtles and their habitats through rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education outreach. They have a team of scientists, vets, conservationists, citizen scientists, and volunteers. 

To achieve their goals, they: rescue and rehabilitation of injured and sick sea turtles at their facilities. Carry out scientific research to fill data gaps in sea turtle knowledge with the aim to inform sea turtle conservation policy. Education and community outreach to increase awareness about the importance sea turtles play in a healthy ocean ecosystem and the threats they face.

Find out more here.

 

Image from The Ocean Conservation Trust Instagram - @oceanconservationtrust

 

The Ocean Conservation Trust aims to restore and protect the Ocean centred around people and positive action, they focus is on pro-Ocean behaviour and habitat restoration. They have a team of marine biologists, educators, communicators, researchers, ecologists, oceanographers and divers. 

They support a wide range of projects including art installations and snorkel trails. To encourage others to connect with the Ocean they offer a wide range of activities, such as visits to their Aquarium in Plymouth, a virtual lesson in your classroom or a dip in the sea near you.

 

Find out more here.

 

Image from The Sea Change Project website 

 

The Sea Change Project (@seachangeproject) is a nonprofit environmental storytelling organisation. They use the story and science to connect humans to the wild. They are a team of media and science professionals who are dedicated to the wild and specifically the Great African Seaforest. 

Their work includes films, books, exhibitions, education and marine biology research.

Find out more here.

 

Image from Wetsuit Outlet website

 

At Wetsuit Outlet, (@wetsuitoutlet) the ocean is our lifeblood. It's the reason we're here. Recognising this, we are committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility, ensuring our customers can enjoy their time on the water while we work to protect it.

Some of the steps we are taking to do our bit for the Ocean includes inhouse initiatives from using induction and LED lighting, to cycle to work schemes. Our HQ’s car park is made from recycled road scrapings, which is a waste product from local road resurfacing and we now receive most wetsuits from our supplies on hangers, to reduce the use of cardboard boxes. By doing this, we have prevented 20 tonnes of cardboard going into waste each year.

We are always on the lookout for other initiatives we can support going forward.

Find out more here.

Image from Wetsuit Outlet website

 

Together, we can make a profound difference in safeguarding the oceans for generations to come. Lets honour these Ocean Heroes and take action to protect our planet's most precious ecosystems.

 

Shop the full Wetsuit Outlet range here.